World Cup Qualifiers: Newly Appointed Coach Mildred Cheche Confident of Junior Starlets’ Chances

• Mildred Cheche believes Kenya is ready for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup qualifiers
• The Junior Starlets will take on the Democratic Republic of Congo first in February
• The Talanta Hela Under-19 tournament served as a platform for scouting new talent

Newly appointed Kenya women's under-17 football coach, Mildred Cheche is optimistic about the Junior Starlets' chances in the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers, scheduled for February.

The team is poised to face the Democratic Republic of Congo in a two-legged second-round fixture, with the away match set for February 4 and the return leg in Nairobi a week later.

Cheche has emphasised the physical and mental readiness of the young players, attributing it to their participation in local tournaments, which significantly contributed to their fitness.

She said, as quoted by The Star:

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"We have a good team that can compete against DR Congo. The girls came in ready, having previously been active in different tournaments like Talanta Hela and Chapa Dimba, which is a plus for the team preparations."

The 30-player provisional squad, comprised of high school players, has recently undergone a five-day residential camp.

Valerie Nekesa from Madira Girls is a notable name in the squad. She excelled in the Rising Starlets U20 Women World Cup qualifiers, scoring a hat-trick against Angola.

Her performance continued in the 2022/23 Women Premier League (WPL) Division One, where she won the Golden Boot after bagging 37 goals in 22 matches, leading Soccer Assassins to championship victory.

Kenya's Starlets prepare for DR Congo clash

The Junior Starlets are set to travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo on February 2, preparing to face their opponents on February 4. The return leg is scheduled for Nairobi on February 11, 2024.

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Assisting Cheche is former Starlets skipper, Anne Aluoch, who also serves as the national Under-15's head coach.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) named Cheche the head coach on January 22 and tasked her with assembling and leading the squad into the crucial matches, as reported by Football Kenya.

With the Sports Cabinet Secretary, Ababu Namwamba's directive to ensure Kenya's participation in the U17 World Cup qualifiers, the recently concluded Talanta Hela Under-19 tournament served as a platform for scouting new talent.

Amos Wanjala named POKA's top sportsman

Sports Brief also previously reported when Amos Wanjala was voted 'Sportsman of the Year'.

The captain of Kenya's national under-18 team received 4,007 votes to claim that accolade.

Organised by the Pride of Kenya Awards (POKA), there was fierce competition at the awards.